Gabby Giffords

Four years after she was shot in the head and went on to inspire millions with her recovery, Gabby Giffords is as committed as ever to pushing for tighter gun-control laws. But in the final days of this year’s midterm elections, few candidates are willing to rally to her cause. There’s little to suggest those elected next week will pursue the changes she seeks in the nation’s gun laws.

The husband of former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Mark Kelly, appeared before Oregon legislators on Thursday to speak in favor of expanded background checks for gun sales, as Republicans contended the Democrat-proposed legislation is “political posturing” as Oregon’s May primary nears.